1992: The Dream comes alive

The philosophy is so simple that I’m amazed that everybody doesn’t have it. It’s not like we’re figuring out how to get to the moon. All we do is bend over, pick up some paper, figure out how to design buildings with attention to detail and how to spend enough money so that everybody feels like a VIP. – Michael Eisner

The formula may not be magic, but Disney always add extra sparkle to their parks that makes the formula special and magical. Disneyland Paris was opened in an evening of glitz and glamour, the likes of which the resort has never seen since. The event was broadcast live across the world as Euro Disney was finally unveiled to the world in traditional 90s fashion. Yes, the presenters may well have been cheesy, but that adds to the charm when it is watched back. Disneyland Paris emerges from a certain chapter in time and in the history of the Walt Disney Company.

April 12 1992

The opening night was a unparalleled celebration. But this took place on April 11th 1992, the following day was to be much more important. There were to be no more quiet days, no more days off. Euro Disney was to become a 365 day a year park. The first guests to buy a ticket for the park were given a lifetime pass to the resort – who knows if they are still using it?

The opening speech took place on the balcony of Main Street Station with Michael Eisner and Sabine Marcon in attendance. They then hopped into a fire truck to the castle for the Euro Disney dedication speech.

“To all who come to this happy place, welcome.”

Once upon a time…

A master storyteller, Walt Disney, inspired by Europe’s best-loved tales, used his own special gifts to share them with the world.

He envisaged a Magic Kingdom where these stories would come to life, and called it Disneyland.

Now his dream returns to the land that inspired it. Euro Disneyland is dedicated to the young and the young at heart… With the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration for the world.

-Michael Eisner, 12 April 1992

And with that, Euro Disneyland was officially open. The park would see teething issues, of course it would. Europe is very different to the USA market, and that was an initial failing. One such notable difference in cultures was the banning of alcohol within the theme parks. European culture is very much more open to alcohol, in fact all quick-service restaurants will serve you a can of beer upon request with your meal.

Teething issues are to be expected, but the resort would have deeper issues. And they would take more to resolve.

Author: Geoff

Ever since my first visit to Disneyland Paris in 1999, I have been captivated by the immersive experiences and stories that the park tells. This website is a homage to those stories that bring magic to many each day in the hope that I can bring the magic that little bit closer to you wherever you are.